Pivotable Radiator Connection With Watertight Rotating Collector Pipe

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radiators with vertically aligned flow and return pipes are not easily rotatable, which limits their positioning and cleaning accessibility, especially in cramped spaces like bathrooms, and can cause the heating element to rest unevenly on sealing elements, compromising operational reliability.

Innovation Solution

A radiator design featuring a collector pipe that divides into two sections allowing for watertight rotation, enabling 360° movement of flow and return pipes, with an immersion tube and optional electric heating element, allowing for rotatability and integration of additional heating pipe connections without extra lines, and enabling segmentable construction for versatile use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the radiator is made rotatable using a ball head and screw part connection, then the radiator can be rotated about a vertical axis, but the heating element rests unevenly on sealing elements compromising operational reliability

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproverotatabilityVSAvoidoperational reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The collector pipe is divided into two axially arranged sections that can rotate relative to each other. The first section connects to the on-site connection and the second section connects to the radiator, allowing independent rotation of each section to achieve desired positioning without compromising sealing integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A watertight connection mechanism is introduced as an intermediary between the two pipe sections. This intermediary allows rotational movement while maintaining sealing, preventing the heating element from resting unevenly on sealing elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the flow and return pipes are connected rigidly to fix the radiator position, then operational reliability is maintained, but the radiator cannot be rotated or repositioned

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidrotatability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic segmented connection. The two pipe sections can rotate relative to each other while maintaining watertight sealing, allowing the radiator to be repositioned or rotated after installation while preserving operational reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple heating pipe connections are made, then additional connecting lines are required, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating pipe connection capabilityVSAvoidnumber of connecting lines
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple heating pipe connections are merged into the existing collector pipe structure. The collector pipe serves both as the main fluid conduit and as the mounting structure for additional heating pipes, eliminating the need for separate connecting lines and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2410247B1Pivotable heater connection
Publication Date: 2016.02.17 ZEHNDER GROUP INTERNATIONAL AG
  • EP2410247B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2410247B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2410247B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The arrangement has a supply line (11) and a return line (12) connected with angularly arranged heating pipes (5). A collector pipe is flow-technically connected with the return line for sticking out from the supply line. The collector pipe is divided into regions along axial direction, where the regions are connected in a water-proof manner and twistable against each other. The supply line is guided into the collector pipe as an immersion pipe. An electrical heating rod is provided in the supply line. The collector pipe is made of metal. The supply line is made of metal or plastic.